Surface treatment set to begin on US 285 south of Alamosa to Antonito

Aug 6, 2019 - The Colorado Department of Transportation will be chip sealing and updating the existing signs on US Highway 285 from Antonito to just south of Alamosa (MP 6.5 to 27).

This $2.4 million project has been awarded to Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc. of North Salt Lake, UT. The work is expected to be completed by mid-September.

This chip seal surface treatment project consists of placing a blended asphalt on the existing pavement, covering it with crushed aggregate, rolling the newly placed chips and sweeping off any excess chips. A week after the chip seal is placed a thin layer of diluted emulsion will be placed on the chips to give the road surface a black top.

As a part of CDOT’s Whole System. Whole Safety. program, the project will enhance safety for the traveling public by creating a new wearing surface and prolonging the life of the asphalt. New updated signs and paint will be installed to help with visibility.

HIGHWAY TRAVEL IMPACTS 

Beginning Wednesday, August 14, until mid-September motorists will encounter work on US 285 from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The public should expect delays up to 15 minutes. A width restriction is in place for wide loads over 12 feet.

Travelers are urged to: 

  • Slow down ― Higher speeds can cause loose stones to scatter and damage vehicle paint and windshields.
  • Increase the distance between vehicles ― Space between you and other vehicles will help reduce damage caused by loose stones.
  • Follow work zone signage ― Consider the safety of other motorists and the safety of the work crew when traveling through the project construction zone.
  • Use caution ― Bicyclists and motorcyclists should use extreme caution during construction operations.

REMEMBER: SLOW FOR THE CONE ZONE

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.  

To heighten safety awareness, CDOT recently announced its Whole System — Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.

ABOUT CDOT

CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located throughout Colorado, and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.  

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